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Golf is a game of ego.

Think about it. When was the last time you heard someone brag about securing a Tuesday afternoon tee time at the local muni, or buying a set of knock-off irons? It just doesn’t happen.

That said, there is no arguing the wallet has become a little lighter this golf season. But with some simple changes, and a willingness to make some sacrifices for the sake of hitting the links, there is no reason golfers can’t continue to enjoy 18 holes of golf on a regular basis and have a few extra greenbacks remaining at the end of the day.

Here are nine ways Northland golfers can save money in not only this tight economy, but any time they so desire:

1. Walk

You do remember golf is supposed to be a sport, right? This, by its very nature, should require at least a little bit of physical activity beyond swinging a club.

So how about instead of plunking down an extra $15-20 for a golf cart, you experience the game the way it was meant to be played? A round of 18 looks a lot more affordable when you take that off the tab, and you’ll enjoy some good side effects as well, including a trimmer waistline.

2. Shop around

Chances are you wouldn’t settle for the "rack rate" when staying at a hotel or buying a plane ticket. Instead, you would bargain hunt, go online, look for the latest deals.

It should be the same way with your golf. Web sites offering hot deals are everywhere, and many courses advertise specials in the local newspaper. With a little investigating, you should never have to pay retail to get on the links.

3. Last-minute deals

Yes, it goes against everything your mom, your teachers and your bosses have ever told you. But in these tough economic times, waiting until the last minute to make your golf plans can pay dividends.

"I would definitely have them check online, last-minute operations," said John Marquardt, director of golf at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex in Smithville, about one of his favorite tips for saving money.

Courses need to fill their tee sheets, and oftentimes they use online booking sites that cater to the last-minute golfer to do it.

4. Play on weekdays

Yes, it’s nice to have those 18 holes of golf on a Saturday or Sunday to look forward to at the end of a stressful week. But the golf courses know this too, and, duh, they charge more to play on these premium days.

By simply adjusting the day you play, you can save big money. Scratch together a weekly game for the middle of the week with three buddies, and you’ll have enough extra cash to grab some lunch, or really enjoy the 19th hole.

5. Twilight rates

Yes, it’s hotter in the late afternoon than at 8 in the morning. Players have been on the course all day. Maybe the bunkers and the greens aren’t as pristine.

But playing golf during the twilight also has its advantages. There are typically less players on the course, and most facilities offer a steep discount to fill the tee sheet late in the day.

"I would become familiar with the area’s twilight rates, when they start and how much they are," Marquardt said.

6. Stock up

There’s a reason stores like Costco and Sam’s Club are popular. Shoppers know they can buy in bulk and save.

"First and foremost, package your golf," said Jim Jamis, general manager and director of golf at Cardinal Hill Golf Club in Liberty.

Most courses now offer special rates when you buy 10 or 20 rounds at a time. And if you find one of these packages that is transferable, you can go in with a buddy and save even more.

7. Buy a cheaper ball

Let’s keep this simple. Unless you are an elite player, you are not going to notice any significant difference between those expensive Titleist Pro V1s or the discount Top Flites except for the price you pay.

So why shell out big dollars on golf balls when chances are it’s just a matter of time until you plunk them in the pond?

"I think people spend way too much on golf balls," Jamis said. "Most of the guys I know, even the good golfers, wouldn’t know what they are hitting anyway."

8. Equipment

Again, be a realist. Know your game, and the fact that it’s hours spent on the course, the range, the practice tee — and not usually having the newest, top-of-the-line, big-dollar golf equipment — that’s going to bring about noticeable changes in how you play.

By shopping at discount retailers, you can meet all your equipment needs at a fraction of the cost. And if it’s used, it’s even cheaper.

"You still get the pro-line stuff, but you’re mostly getting it with 30 rounds on it instead of brand-new," Jamis said.

9. Local courses

Summer getaways filled with rounds of golf at dream destinations are great if you can afford them.

If you want to save money and still play, remember, there are 13 golf courses in the Northland, and they offer a wide variety of styles and challenges for players of all skill levels.

Why put all that extra money into your gas tank or the airlines’ pockets when you can put it into your game instead?

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